Sun shines on joyful City parade

​England (Reuters) - Even the sun shone for Manchester City as the Premier League champions celebrated their long-awaited and dramatic title win with a euphoric victory parade on Monday.

Twelve months ago Manchester United's players needed umbrellas after it rained on their celebrations following a record 19th English championship.

But under clear skies, 24 hours after an extraordinary 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers secured their first title for 44 years, Manchester's streets were transformed into a sea of blue as up to 100,000 City supporters lined the pavements.

Not for the first time, however, Carlos Tevez clouded the issue, the controversial City striker holding a banner saying "RIP Fergie", a clear jibe at his former United manager Alex Ferguson which brought a swift apology from his club.

"The creation of the tasteless material is in itself reprehensible and in accepting and brandishing it, Carlos has made a significant error of judgment," a City spokesman was quoted as saying.

Image: Manchester City players including their captain Vincent Kompany, left with trophy, celebrate during a bus parade the day after their team won the English Premier League, Manchester, England, Monday May 14, 2012.